According to statistics, breast cancer occupies a leading place among malignant neoplasms in women. There is a wide range of risk factors for developing cancer, the most significant being age, smoking and obesity. Currently, breast cancer prevention plays a vital role in the fight against this disease. Combined oral contraceptives are used not only as part of protection against unwanted pregnancy, but also for therapeutic purposes for many gynecological diseases. However, there is still a general question about whether COC use increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Many scientists have been carefully studying this issue for many years, but the results of the studies vary and depend on many factors, such as the types and doses of hormonal drugs used, the age of the patients, the duration of taking COCs and others. The article summarizes data on risk factors for the development of cancer pathologies and possible preventive measures. Current information on the development of breast cancer is provided. Particular emphasis of the publication is placed on the issue of the connection between COC use and the occurrence of breast tumors.